Warriors v Roosters result: Warriors beaten comfortably in NRLW return

The Warriors’ return to the NRLW has ended with a 30-6 defeat at the hands of the Sydney Roosters.

After nearly five years away and fielding a side that included 10 NRLW debutants, it was always going to be a tough ask for the Warriors.

They were ultimately outclassed by the defending champions, who remain favourites to claim the title again in 2025.

When the NRLW launched in 2018, the Warriors were one of the four foundation clubs, taking part in the competition’s first three seasons before the impact of the Covid pandemic forced them to withdraw.

Their last match was on October 17, 2020, 1723 days ago, and Warriors captain Apii Nicholls, who played in their first-ever game, was the only returning player.

Among the debutants were Black Ferns Sevens superstar Michaela Brake and fellow Black Ferns Tysha Ikenasio, Patricia Maliepo and Shakira Baker.

The Warriors showed plenty of promise, particularly on defence, but the Roosters continually capitalised on errors to make a statement to the rest of the competition.

The Warriors were forced to withstand early pressure before the Roosters struck with back-to-back tries to Jayme Fressard and Taina Naividi.

Nicholls then blew a golden opportunity to score, juggling the ball metres from the line, but the Warriors responded quickly, with Maliepo crossing for their only try.

Two tries in three minutes to Naividi just before halftime completed her hat-trick and extended the Roosters’ lead to 18-6 at the break.

The Warriors made a poor start to the second half when Matekino Gray lost the ball on the first carry. Two plays later, Rima Butler crashed over.

Fressard was denied a second try after injuring her elbow in the process, forcing her from the field, but the Roosters soon added their sixth when Olivia Kernick scored.

Baker was denied a consolation try after dropping the ball over the line.

The Warriors will be back in action next Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium against the Parramatta Eels, in a match that will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Warriors’ NRL clash with the Wests Tigers.

Roosters 30 (Taina Naividi 3, Jayme Fressard, Rima Butler, Olivia Kernick tries; Jocelyn Kelleher 3 cons)

Warriors 6 (Patricia Maliepo try; Maliepo con)

HT: 18-6